Industrial Waste


Coalbed Gas Code of Practice



Current Version of the Coalbed Code of Practice


Disposal of Water Produced During Coalbed Gas Extraction

British Columbia is home to a wealth of natural resources, among them natural gas. Coalbed gas (CBG) is natural gas found in underground coal deposits.

This gas is contained within the coal seam where it is adsorbed or attached to the coal particles. Pressure from the overlying rock and the water within the coal seam keeps the methane adsorbed in the coal. During production, water is pumped out of the coal seams, lowering the pressure and thus releasing the gas to be collected and sent to market. Any water removed from the subsurface is referred to as "produced" water.

On February 27, 2007, the Provincial Government released "The BC Energy Plan: A Vision for Clean Energy Leadership". The Energy Plan clarifies and enhances British Columbia's commitments to making British Columbia's coalbed gas production the most environmentally responsible in North America. By the new standards put forward in the Energy Plan, companies wanting to develop coalbed gas will not be allowed to surface discharge produced water. Any re-injected produced water must be injected well below any domestic water aquifer.

Following are links to technical resources on produced water:


Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Coalbed Gas?
  • How is CBG extracted?
  • What happens to the water that is pumped out?
  • What is a code of practice?
  • How is a code of practice different from a permit?
  • What are some specific requirements of the coalbed gas code?
  • How are B.C.'s rules for CBG different from those in other jurisdictions?
  • What are the penalties for violating the Code?
  • Who will monitor and enforce the Code?
  • How do companies determine which water disposal methods to use?
  • What substances are most likely to be found in the water?
  • How can I be sure that the water in my community will be protected?
  • Who was consulted in the development of the Code?
  • There have been test wells drilled in B.C. What has been the quality of the water produced?
  • Will there be baseline studies of existing water quality in areas where coalbed gas wells are planned?
  • Is there a requirement for timely reports on testing and monitoring of produced water?

Related Links


Updated: july 2007